Prospect restaurants devastated by fire as family-run business vows to rebuild
A fast-moving blaze tore through a row of restaurants along Prospect Road in Adelaide’s inner north on Saturday afternoon, damaging four eateries and forcing their closure ahead of Mother’s Day.
The fire is believed to have originated at an Indian restaurant before engulfing neighbouring Vietnamese, Mexican, and Middle Eastern businesses. Thick smoke blanketed the area as 45 firefighters and 12 trucks from the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), including an aerial unit, responded to the scene around 3.30pm. The fire was brought under control within an hour.
Among the worst-hit businesses was Ishtar Middle Eastern Food, a family-run restaurant opened only five months ago by Iman Kedda and her daughter, Nour Alakkad.
“Everything fell apart in 10 minutes really. It went from slight smoke to a lot of dark smoke and then you see flames coming out of the roof,” said Alakkad, who had left her job to support her mother’s dream of owning a restaurant.
The MFS has not yet determined the cause of the fire. A spokesperson confirmed damage estimates between $4 million and $5 million, with all four affected restaurants suffering “significant fire damage.”
“I have a dream to own my own business,” Kedda said. “I was happy because I had many customers … they’re happy with my food.”
While the dining area appears to have escaped the worst, the kitchen sustained major damage. “The ceiling has collapsed on both the properties next to us,” said Alakkad.
Despite the destruction, the family remains hopeful they can reopen soon and expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “Keep an eye out (for) when we open and please come and say hello,” she said.
Jonathan Jackson, 12th May 2025
